Korean Air’s fleet modernisation strategy reached another major milestone this week when the airline took delivery of its first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Seoul-based national carrier, which has introduced several new long-haul models in recent years, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, has now welcomed the first of 10 787-9s.

The twin-aisle aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes between Seoul and Jeju, before being launched on long-haul international routes to Toronto, Madrid and Zurich later this year.

The 787-9 can seat 269 passengers in three cabins, with six seats in first class, 18 in business class and 245 in economy.

“The 787 Dreamliner will be a key member of Korean Air’s fleet as we continue to introduce next-generation airplanes to our customers,” said Walter Cho, president of Korean Air. “The aircraft is fuel-efficient, quiet, has lower operating costs and is spacious and very elegant. The cabin features are impressive and will ensure maximum comfort for Korean Air’s passengers.”

Korean Air is scheduled to introduce five 787-9s to its fleet this year, with all 10 aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2019. As well as the Dreamliners, the airline also plans to take delivery of 10 more 777-300ERs, three 747-8s and 11 A330s in the coming years, while its older 747-400s will be retired.

With this latest delivery, Korean Air becomes the only airline in the world to operate the passenger versions of the A380, 747-8 and 787 Dreamliner.